The
Aloha Scamp Spirit Early Spring 2018
Aloha Maidens! This winter, I was lucky enough to speak at several conferences and meetings about two topics that are dear to my heart: nurturing resilience in girls, and developing an effective leadership program for teenagers (on the SubClub, Club, Midi/Floater model). Basically, people asked me to stand in front of them and talk about camp; talk about a no-brainer. As I shared insights into our Aloha philosophy and fielded questions from participants, I was struck by the words that came up most often: trust, empathy, self-confidence, intentionality, belonging, resilience, friendship, problem-solving, safety, failure, strength, community. These are some of the words that shape our experiences together, that shape who we are. I believe that the words we use shape how we think, and I could not feel prouder or more inspired when I consider the ways in which we choose to think about ourselves at camp. In a world that so often emphasizes our imperfections and urges us to compete with one another — for grades, for brands, for online followers — we choose
to define ourselves differently. We choose to encourage one another as we learn new skills, to celebrate one another for accomplishments large and small, to connect with one another in authentic ways over misty mornings, silly songs, rain-soaked sneakers, and toasted marshmallows. We find meaning in the words we write privately to ourselves, and in those we share publicly in recognitions on Sunday nights. We even create new words when we need them, as we define the essence of the PAM! I feel honored to share with others some of the words, values and beliefs that characterize our Aloha. As you read the words and look at the pictures on the following pages, I hope you remember some of the fun of our 2017 summer together, and feel the spirit of the 05045 coursing strong within you. I am counting down the days until we’re all together again! Aloha,
Sarah Gordon Littlefield Aloha Director
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Aloha, Hive & Lanakila Summer 2018 Calendar Full Season: June 27 – August 15 First Session: June 27 – July 22 Second Session: July 24 – August 15 Hive ElďŹ n Program: July 24 – Aug 4 Show Weekend: July 21 – 22
*OTJEF UIJT JTĎłVF Aloha... 1 3 4 5 9
From our Director From our Assistant Director From our Program Director From our Unit Heads From our Department Heads
Horizons Day Camp Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:30 pm 2 Week Sessions (K-7th grade grads) Session 1: July 2 – 13 Session 2: July 16 – 27 Session 3: July 30 – August 10 1 Week Sessions (PreK-4th grade grads) Session 4: August 13 – 17 Session 5: August 20 – 24
Visit us online:
alohafoundation.org 2
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If you’re on Facebook, follow Aloha at facebook.com/AlohaCamp And check out the Aloha Foundation Instagram too! @alohafoundation
Dear Aloha 2017 On New Year’s Eve I finally got around to tidying up the pile of STUFF that had been sitting on a shelf since I got home from camp. Books, travel documents, paint I bought on a trip to Michaels with Lolly, kudos, an 05045 bumper sticker, letters I received at camp, and warm fuzzies (I can neither confirm nor deny that a dead spider fell out of these papers and therefore I technically illegally smuggled wildlife into Australia). There was also my Banquet book which I realised I had never fully read because it had gone missing on Banquet night during all the cleanup (shout out to Odds & Ends!), and I was quite upset about it but then it turned up on the last day of camp and I almost kissed the person who found it (shout out to whoever that was!), but then I didn’t have time to read it because, well, last day of camp (shout out to all the counselors cleaning literally everything!). Obviously when I found this I gave up on all the tidying and sat down to read. It was awesome to read lovely notes, funny comments, messy handwriting, and to be reminded of the silly things that happened, the thousands of announcements made, and funny little in jokes. And of course, most of all, to be reminded of the people who make Aloha what it is. People who aren’t afraid to be silly; people who are willing to be ‘somebody’; people who sing songs for the fun of it; people who sit at table 8; people who can make a party out of potatoes; people who learn to do hard things; people who think grilled cheese & tomato soup is the best; people who enjoy staring at the stars; people who are PAMs; people who will sit on the floor of an upside down dining room; people who go to meetings at 5 o’clock; people who look out for each other; people who take the 05045 and go beyond. So shout out to all of you! Because as much as I love Fairlee and the trees and the Bluff and the stars and the lake, all of it really only becomes Aloha because of people, like you. And shout out to summer 2018! Go find your banquet book and read through it, and then get ready to write funny notes, to sweep endless pine needles, to listen to a million announcements, to hug all your Aloha family, and to teach new people to be PAMs. Love and Aloha
Erin
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Dear Aloha Maidens Right now, I am thinking back to our last night of Aloha 2017. Specifically, Candlelight. There are many moments from our summer that make me smile, and there are many reasons I am glad I was able to be back at camp for summer 2017. But, if I had to pick one memory that stands out the most, it would be the image that remains in my mind of Candlelight. We all sat in Father Gulick’s Ravine and, since this was my first summer as Program Director, it was my first summer experiencing Candlelight from the front of our gathering. I remember sitting next to Erin and Gordo, hearing the occasional crack of the fire beside us and the stream bubbling behind us. As the evening grew increasingly darker, it became challenging to make out faces and people and, by the end, all that was visible was a sea of flickering candles. As I listened to your thoughts, your memories, and your stories, I was filled with gratitude for having shared Aloha 2017 with you and to be in that moment. I remember whispering under my breath that I was the luckiest person to have the best summer job possible! Vermont is currently covered in snow – I bet Father G’s looks beautiful on this snowy day. I live in the next town away from camp, and I think I’m due for a visit to check it out. (However, it’s also currently negative 3 degrees out, so today is not that day!) Whether or not you live close enough for the occasional visit to Aloha during the year, I am sure that you all have memories from camp and images from the summer that transport you back to the 05045. I can’t wait to do it all again in summer 2018. Until then, my best Aloha wishes to you in the new year. Aloha,
Katie 4
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unit heads er that if they can deal with what they have to deal with and still have such amazing attitudes, then I can easily bring my Aloha-self home. It’s easier sometimes than others, there are definitely moments when I have to remind myself that I could perhaps have a better attitude about something, however, these kids have inspired me to be my best self, just as each and every one of you do every summer.
Aloha Pines 2017! It blows my mind that we are already into 2018! With how bitterly cold this winter has been, I have been finding myself constantly daydreaming of biking up and down the hills on Lake Morey, wearing shorts and a t-shirt and looking like a tanned goddess. Unfortunately my tan only lasted a couple of weeks so I’m now back to square one. Since returning home in August, everything has been moving at a million miles per hour. I started my new job as a support worker, looking after 4 young boys with a whole array of needs, from cerebral palsy, severe autism, deafness, quadriplegia and some other things that I don’t know how to spell. Despite everything that they have to deal with on a daily basis, they are always smiling and laughing, and more often than not, trying to get away with being extremely cheeky! They have been a constant remind-
I won’t lie though, I really do miss our entire unit cramming into one tent for some heart to hearts on Full Monday, and the constant quotes from ‘Trolls’, and the even more constant meme references that I just don’t get because I’m basically ancient now! The list of things I miss about camp and hanging out with you all is endless, however you have all provided me with memories that will be with me forever. 2017 is a summer that will go down in history because each and every one of you is a PAM, and you have inspired me more than you can know. I’m about to hop on a plane to Iceland in a few days to go and see some cool stuff, and it is way closer to the US than I am now so I will give you all a shout of ‘ALOOOOHA’ when I’m there so listen out for me! Big love to you all, but a special shout out to Ginger and Carley, I miss you so much! Aloha
ChBry
Aloha Seventh Heaven! I CANNOT believe that it has been over six months since we were last all together on the shores of Lake Morey. As I write this, I am sitting on those same shores, but the lake looks nothing like it did in August. Unfortunately, kayaking has been a little challenging lately. Morey is frozen over, there is snow everywhere, and it is currently -10 degrees outside. -10! Luckily, I have hot chocolate, a fire in the fireplace, and lots of camp flannels to keep me warm. I think of you all often. Anytime I am stressed or overwhelmed at school, I close my eyes and return to our oasis on the hill. I think about playing camouflage around the climb tower, playing Prui on the basketball court, and our numerous Golden Broom victories. I am also reminded of you all whenever I watch Netflix; that was one fabulous unit party! While college is nowhere near as exciting as camp, I have had a great sophomore year at Bates. I am officially a rhetoric major, which means that I am studying different
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elements of human communication. In my classes, I explore the role that language plays in speeches, television shows, and even song lyrics! I am also taking lots of education classes and spend five hours every week working in a special education classroom at a local elementary school. This experience has been incredible, and I have loved being able to bring some of Aloha’s magic into this classroom. I often remind my students that they can do hard things and that they are more powerful than they realize. I hope this is something you all think about every day. Every one of you is a true PAM, and you can all accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Whether it be making the volleyball team as a freshman (Go Billye!), being the youngest student to perform at the all-school talent show (Go Kate!), starting kindergarten (Go Arnie!), or even studying abroad in a foreign country (Go Laible!), every one of you can do hard things. So today, take a look at your banquet book, hug your puzzle piece, eat multiple s’mores, and stay away from skunks! I hope to see you all in 2018! All the love,
Eliza
Aloha Crossroads 2017! I hope that you are all having wonderful winters! I am writing to you from Utah where my family spent the holidays skiing, hiking, and visiting with some family out here. It was a wonderful trip and I had so much fun playing in the snow! When I head home after the New Year, I’ll be starting my second semester of my Masters in Social Work program, which has been great so far! Although I have to say that I forgot how challenging homework can be... I have renewed respect for all of you working through school right now. As part of my program I work as a school social work intern in an elementary and middle school. It has been an amazing experience and I am
learning so much through my work there, especially because many of the students I work with are boys. After all my years at Aloha, that has been a totally new ball game! I am still in the process of figuring out exactly what summer 2018 will look like for me, but no matter what I know that camp will be a part of it. I could not possibly imagine my summers without all of the aggressive singing, incredibly awkward dance moves, stellar camouflage abilities, hilarity, compassion, and fun that you all bring everywhere you go. In fact, it is because of the time I have spent at Aloha with you ladies that I want to continue to work with amazing young people like yourselves. I hope that you each are finding Aloha in your life, either by connecting with camp friends, playing silly games, dancing your face off, or finding time to explore someplace amazing! I miss you all, so very much, and I cannot wait to see you again for Aloha 2018! I’m sending you my biggest hugs and lots of Aloha love. Aloha,
Erin “Gary” Gerrity
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ing all of this while trying to maintain a normal “camp” schedule, yes I do take a rest-hour every day, and not stress out too much. Even as I begin to apply for jobs and graduate school programs, camp is always there for reference and has served me well — as it will serve all of you.
Goooooooddddd morninnnggggg Old Hideawayyy! (“Good morning Lexie!”) Ahh I can just hear all of your drowsy voices in the morning and BOY do I miss them. Camp has been constantly on my mind this year. No matter how much my friends beg me to stop talking about camp, Aloha seems to always be mentioned in conversation. 2017 was such a powerful year for Aloha and I genuinely feel that it was because of the amazing community we built. Camp is everywhere for me and I cannot be more grateful for this past summer.
I ALWAYS think about Old Hideaway and how this was my first summer (out of 11) that I lived there — weird, I know. It really is a special place in our community and waking up to that view was one of my favorite parts of the summer. I remember our INSANE unit special (#SNOWEDINforthewin), I remember our exchanging puzzle pieces, our counselor fashion show, and our overall silly energy — also the tree that fell first session (!!!). It’s hard to not to smile when I think about Old Hideaway 2017. I also miss Performing Arts and all the shenanigans that went on so incredibly much. This year, I have, sadly, taken a little break from performing and it has been hard. However, I’m hoping to get back in the swing of things this upcoming semester at Kenyon. And OF
COURSE I’m thinking about the upcoming show this summer... (hehe no hints!) Aloha 2017 you were incredible and I hope you all are having FABULOUS years! And remember to hold on to Aloha, it will always be with you no matter where you are. Shout out to OH tent 2 (Eliza, Annie, and Annelies I MISH MY LITTLE NUGGETS SO MUCH! I frequently think about our spa days and us smashing water balloons with tennis racquets!), Performing Arts peeps...y’all rock my world, and just to Fairlee, that place is awesome. Aloha,
Lexie (Schmexie)
Anywho, what have I been up to? What have I not been up to? School was incredibly busy this semester. I started working on my senior recitation – which is in April – I’m doing research on Gender Psychology with a professor, and I’m finishing my own research thesis to present in a few weeks. And all that is just the tip-of-the-iceberg! Do-
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Buongiorno a tutti! It always surprises me when the time for Scamp Spirit comes around again. I hope you all are having a fabulous year wherever you are, with the people you are with and talking about Camp as much as I do! It feels like only yesterday we were rolling down Club Hill, side-stepping skunks and playing a rousing game of Prui! I think back to my favorite traditions of singing in the Hale, the 4th of July Bonfire, and Club pancake breakfast on Winships! Although my best memories are of the quiet moments, where the true magic of Aloha is found. I remember sitting on the porch of Club Shack listening to the peace on the hillside and thinking about what was coming after camp and the nervousness I felt. At the end of August, I started teaching elementary art at an international school in Rome, Italy. The first morning of orientation we went around and said our names, where we were from and a fun fact about ourselves. It completely lacked any pizazz, favorite type of potato, or
jazzy game with coordinated hand motions! My fun fact was that I am a Camp Counselor and my favorite place to spend a summer is on the shores of Lake Morey. I dived into the deep end, and it’s been a crazy few months developing and teaching a choice-based Art curriculum for 4-10-year-olds. I can tell you the first morning I looked at my kindergarten students and thought, “I’m really unsure what to do with you little humans.” As I’ve always proudly shared that my favorite age group to work with is 12-16 year olds. I wish I could say it’s been a true “Roman Holiday” but there are challenges with a new job in a
country where I don’t speak the language. Every time I get lost, confused or feel overwhelmed, I just remind myself that “I can do hard things.” I can try my best and when something doesn’t work out the way I planned, I know I can reflect and try again. This is the best thing that Aloha has taught me. All I have to do is look at my tie hanging above my desk to be reminded of your smiling faces, and all the support we give each other as we set out to become our best selves. I couldn’t be more excited for the summer of 2018. It gives me butterflies thinking about all the adventures, connecting with new friends and old friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Big hellos and hugs to Club 2017 and Club 2018! I can’t wait to see you all back home in just a few short months. Aloha,
Izzy
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department heads kayaking
Aloha! As I am sitting at home looking out on the snow, I am wishing that I were back at camp, sitting on the shores of Lake Morey. Since I left camp, I have been doing well, and just finished up my first semester at Washington and Lee. While I have not been able to kayak as much as I would like, I have been able to get on the water once this year! (My first time white water kayaking outside of camp!!) As much fun as that was, I miss kayaking at camp, and seeing all of your beautiful faces every day. I miss playing with Chris P. Bacon, watching girls learn and master new skills, and getting to spend time on the Andro and the White River. I hope you are all having an amazing school year, and are getting ready to head back to camp. Shout out to all of my fantastic campers, and everyone who comes down to the Cabeen, I cannot wait to see you all next summer!
I also got to catch up with members of the Canoeing Crew in Hanover this November: Caroline, Aggie, Kate, and Reilly. Finally, on a school trip to San Francisco, Ellie Rosen and her family were kind enough to invite me to their home for Shabbat. Moral of my various camp encounters: even when you are far away from camp (2,574 miles from Aloha to Idaho!), you can always find Aloha when you need it. Love,
Aloha,
Elise
My Dearest Aloha Maidens, I can't believe that it's been 6 months since we were enjoying Lake Morey's sunshine and spectacular lightning storms. Since leaving camp my life has been a bit of a whirlwind. I spent 30 days travelling around America starting with Boston, New York and Washington DC (Thank you Becky for the Emack and Bolio ice cream recommendation — YUM!). From there I travelled to New Orleans, through Louisiana and Texas, before heading to Las Vegas and finally up the Pacific Coast highway from San Diego to San Francisco. On returning home I moved house and started a new job.
landsports
canoeing
Aloha from Idaho, where I am teaching at a local school! Even all the way here in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve found some pockets of Aloha. Charlotte Davis-Jeffers, who will be a trip-sub this summer, is a 7th grader at the school where I work. I ran into Aimée Christensen, who was in Gordo’s Club, at a local TEDx event. And earlier this month, I was followed home (creepy, I know!), by two parents of a former camper who noticed the multiple Aloha bumper stickers I have on my car. Aloha is everywhere, if you just know where to look for it.
I often think back over this summer at work, particularly when loading the commercial dishwasher — Club 2018 it really is a skill for life! It’s the magic camp moments, people and the friendships that I remember. Long, in-depth conversations about spirit potatoes over mac and cheese, Slugs vs. Aliens, the pride in a PAM as she shoots gold, and hours sat talking about nothing and everything. I hope you have
Maia
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Much love & Aloha,
swimming / crew
Beth
ALOOOO-HA!… Do you think they could hear that at the top of The Bluff?
Can you believe it has been six months since we were all together on the shores of Lake Morey, huddled by Wishing Fire, watching the sky turn that unforgettable shade of pink? I can’t! I’m afraid to say that the sky in Ireland just doesn’t quite have that same glow — especially when I am inside writing my dissertation with the rain drizzling down the window. I would much rather be sitting on the swimming docks seeing you fantastic PAMs nail some perfect dives, or out in a crew shell taking in the calming Lake Morey views. After camp last year, I was lucky enough to get to travel around the
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East Coast and visit some amazing PAMs before going back home to start my final year of University. It is a lot of hard work and there are no rest hours but I am definitely carrying Aloha with me through it all. There have been so many times I have found myself rambling on about “this time at camp” to my friends that they are beginning to get used to some of the camp lingo. The little things that Aloha teaches you stay with you wherever you go and you’ll find that no matter what type of day you are having, you’ll hear that one song or see that one thing that will make you smile and think of those moments spent gathered around a campfire by the Hale. A shout out to my amazing PAMs, my wonderful Sev Hev tent 5 and my brilliant Sev Hev Shack, I miss you all and our hilarious story times. To my swimming squad, I cannot wait to be singing at the top of my voice on the docks with you all soon for another “perfecto-banana” summer! Aloha,
Rosanna
woodchuck hole
Landsports, continued... all managed to keep a part of the 05045 with you and are ready for another wonderful summer. Huge shout out to the Landsports umbrella, apprentices, my campers Molly, Marlo, Kira and co-counselor Fia.
Aloooo-Ha! I love hiking and exploring in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado, and this winter has been so warm (so far at least) that I've been able to do more than usual. But it's definitely the time of year that I start thinking more and more about hiking and exploring in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Last summer was full of so many memorable trips for me, and I'm sure for many of you too. Whether I'm taking a day hike up Mt. Cube, sleeping at Crawford
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Notch and hiking nearby, or on a pack trip through the Presidentials, I always feel lucky to be able to spend my summer in the gorgeous, green mountains of New England with other people who love being there too. And there were many memorable days in the WCH last summer as well - foraging for edible plants, building a new fireplace, planning trips, tying up counselors, yoga in the garden, learning wilderness first aid, clearing trails, cooking all sorts of foods over fires, Club Woodchuck, and of course chopping wood! One thing that last summer taught me was that there are so many ways for campers and counselors to enjoy the Woodchuck Hole. It’s a place that offers so many ways to learn and grow and everyone can do it their own way. Maybe you just like to go on trips. Maybe you just like to learn Tramp Skills. Maybe you just like to come to learn about the science of river ecology or geological formations nearby. Maybe you just want to learn to cook really well over a fire. Or maybe you like to do them all. I love what the WCH has to offer, and it can be different for everyone. You really can create your own WCH experience. And I hope you all will this summer. Aloha!
Jamie
arts & crafts
Aloha, Maidens! It’s a snowy winter day today in Colorado, but before we know it, it will be time to return to beautiful Lake Morey’s shores. I can’t wait! My medical practice here has moved down the street to a bigger office and we are always getting busier, which has been very exciting and a learning experience in many ways. Schuyler and Arnold continue to get bigger and they both look forward to returning to camp. Arnold will be an official camper at Horizons this summer and Schuyler will be off to Lanakila — quite a surprise perhaps for those of you who remember them as little, care-free Menehune running around Aloha.
Whenever I think of Aloha, I am fondly reminded of what a unique place it is. Aloha and the Art Barn are both full of such beauty and history and positive energy, and it is my incredible good fortune to return and spend my days in this remarkable place with amazing and inspiring people — campers and counselors alike. During the year I miss the jars of glaze, the lumps
of clay, the clattering looms, the whir of woodworking tools, and the warmth of the kilns, but most of all I miss the curious, enthusiastic campers who bring the Art Barn to life and who brighten my days at Aloha. It is a community like no other and I hope to see you all in the Art Barn in 2018! Much Love,
Brita
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Aloha Camp 2968 Lake Morey Road Fairlee, VT 05045
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The Aloha Foundation, Inc. Tel.: (802) 333-3400 Fax: (802) 333-3404
www.alohafoundation.org
Would you like to help us spread the message of the Alohas? We are always looking for ways to interest families in the value of camping and in our quality programs for children. Even families with children not yet ready for camp can begin to think about including a summer at Aloha, Hive or Lanakila in their future. If you know of families who might be interested in knowing more, we can send you brochures or a video. Or perhaps you might be willing to gather interested families together; we would be happy to come with slides and stories. Please contact one of the directors or Ellen_Bagley@alohafoundation.org.